Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 10 oz gemelli pasta; 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped chives; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

If crispy, golden bites of chicken with a smoky Cajun twist sound like your kind of comfort food, you’re in for a treat. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli recipe brings the best of bold Southern spice and creamy Italian flair right to your plate. It’s weeknight-friendly but decadent enough to impress at any dinner table.

The chicken is tender inside, cloaked in a crunchy, cheesy coating, while the pasta is rich with a smoky Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to the gemelli. With a sprinkle of fresh chives and a pop of pepper, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

Go for freshly grated Parmesan cheese when breading the chicken—it crisps up more beautifully than pre-shredded and delivers that nutty, salty punch this dish thrives on. For the sauce, you can also stir in a bit more Parmesan if you’re after extra richness.

Ingredients for the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for quick cooking and holds the breading well.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for optimal crispness and flavor in the breading.

Breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture that balances the juicy chicken.

Eggs: Used to bind the breading onto the chicken.

Cajun Seasoning: Essential for both the chicken and Alfredo sauce to infuse that bold, smoky flavor.

Garlic Powder & Paprika: These add depth and warmth to the spice profile.

Butter: Used to sear the chicken bites and base the Alfredo sauce.

Heavy Cream: The backbone of the Alfredo—makes it ultra-creamy.

Gemelli Pasta: Its twisty shape captures the sauce beautifully.

Smoked Gouda Cheese: Adds a rich, smoky undertone to the Alfredo sauce.

Chives: For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Salt & Pepper: To season everything to taste.

How To Make the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Bread and Sear

Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken bites until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil gemelli pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and stir in garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and heavy cream. Simmer until it thickens slightly. Add in shredded smoked gouda and stir until melted and smooth. Thin with a splash of pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Plate with a generous portion of Alfredo pasta and top with crispy Parmesan chicken bites. Garnish with chopped chives and cracked black pepper.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Pasta Dish

Serve this dish hot and fresh for the best texture—especially the chicken bites. Plate the Alfredo pasta first, then nestle the Parmesan crusted chicken bites around or on top. Finish with a dusting of Parmesan and chopped chives.

To store leftovers, separate the chicken from the pasta to keep the coating crisp. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer for crispiness, and gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work well, though gemelli holds the sauce beautifully.

What if I don’t have smoked gouda?

You can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste or add a drop of liquid smoke to another melty cheese like cheddar.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken and substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It adds warmth and smokiness but isn’t overly hot. Adjust by reducing the quantity or choosing a mild Cajun blend.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Just keep chicken and pasta stored separately and reheat as described above for the best results.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy combo, you’ll definitely want to explore these hearty pasta dishes too:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a cheesy spin.
One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta for creamy heat and tang.
Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet when you’re in a smoky seafood mood.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta to add richness with a beefy bite.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini if you’re all about extra sauce.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you tweak the seasoning? Use a different pasta? I’m always inspired by your spins.

For more daily meal inspiration, follow me over on Pinterest – Life with Nina.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken bites served over creamy smoked Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta — a flavorful fusion of bold spices and comfort-food richness.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.

4. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken bites in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Cook gemelli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

6. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then stir in garlic powder, remaining Cajun seasoning, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

7. Add shredded smoked gouda and stir until the sauce is smooth and melted. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Toss drained gemelli pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.

9. Serve pasta topped with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of black pepper.